Optical waveguides – Optical transmission cable – With electrical conductor in the same cable
Reexamination Certificate
2000-09-27
2003-06-10
Feild, Lynn D. (Department: 2839)
Optical waveguides
Optical transmission cable
With electrical conductor in the same cable
C362S581000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06577794
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of fiberoptic light transmission, and more specifically to fiberoptic or acrylic cables or rods having electrically conductive elements included therewith. A means of electrically and optically connecting a series of individual lengths of such fiberoptic and electrically conductive elements is also disclosed herein.
2. Description of the Related Art
Light transmission using light conductive means (cables, rods, etc.) has been known for some time. Conventionally, such devices generally comprise a generic or specially compounded acrylic plastic (e.g., LUCITE®) formed as single rods or multiple strands or fibers, which are coated for internal reflectivity and encased in an opaque jacket or casing. This system has been used in many applications for the transmittal of light from one end of the cable to the other, i.e., axial transmission of light.
More recently, the inclusion of electrically conductive wiring or cables with fiberoptic cables, has been accomplished. Generally, such compound cables have included the electrically conductive elements within the core of the fiberoptic device, where it affects the light transmissivity of the cable or rod. Alternatively, the electrical conductors have been placed within the surrounding opaque jacket for the fiberoptic cable. In any event, these compound devices of the prior art have been intended for axial light and electrical transmission, and have not provided for radial light emission from the length of the fiberoptic core. Also, such devices have been constructed to have a predetermined length, for installation in certain specific environments (motor vehicles, etc.).
Accordingly, a need will be seen for a compound optical and electrical conductor, which is capable of emitting light radially to serve as a continuous elongate lighting device, while simultaneously carrying electrical current axially through the electrical conductor(s) included therewith. The present invention also includes modular connection means, whereby two or more lengths of such compound conductors may be optically and electrically connected together to form a continuous electrically conductive and light transmissive device.
A discussion of the related art of which the present inventor is aware, and its differences and distinctions from the present invention, is provided below.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,394,714 issued on Jul. 19, 1983 to James Rote, titled “Step Lighting System,” describes a fiberoptic system wherein a series of separate fiberoptic strands extend from a lighting source beneath a step or steps, with their distal ends passing through the nose(s) of the stair tread(s) to provide an indication of the location of the tread nose(s) in darkness. Rote teaches away from any radial emission of light from his fiberoptic strands, as his object is to pass the light axially from the ends of the strands extending through the stair tread nose(s). Moreover, Rote does not disclose or suggest the inclusion of electrical conductors with his fiberoptic strands nor any means of connecting a series of lengths of such strands together, as provided by the present invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,806,289 issued on Feb. 21, 1989 to Larry J. Laursen et al., titled “Method Of Making A Hollow Light Pipe,” describes a tubular light transmitting line with cladding on both the inner and outer walls of the tube. Light is transmitted only through the material of the tube itself, between the cladded surfaces. The hollow interior only provides an inner cladding surface for the tube, and does not function for the transmission of light. Laursen et al. make no suggestion or teaching whatsoever that this hollow core may be used for any other purpose, and thus there is no motivation for installing any structure within the hollow core. Also, Laursen et al. does not disclose any connection of multiple lengths of such a light transmission line together, nor any radial light output from his light pipe.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,811,171 issued on Mar. 7, 1989 to Gerald Viola, titled “Submersible Tail Lights For Boat Trailers,” describes a fiberoptic lighting system wherein the electric light source is mounted high above the tongue of the trailer, with non-electrically conductive fiberoptic lines running from the light source to the conventional location of the trailer lighting. Viola teaches away from the present invention, in that he specifically excludes provision for electrical wiring combined with his fiberoptic cables, in order to preclude the problems which occur when electrical systems are immersed in water. The only connection means disclosed, is a connector for the electrical wiring to the flight source for the fiberoptics; no compound connection means is disclosed, as no electrical wiring is provided with the fiberoptic lines. Moreover, all of Viola's fiberoptic lines emit light axially from their ends; no radial light emission is disclosed.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,947,293 issued on Aug. 7, 1990 to Glenn M. Johnson et al., titled “Cargo Vehicle Perimeter Clearance Lighting System,” describes an elongate light conducting strip which is applied to the perimeter of a large trailer or the like. A light source is provided at some point in the system, with light being transmitted along the light conducting strips secured to the trailer, and with light emitting laterally or radially from the strips. Johnson et al. do not disclose or suggest the inclusion of electrical wiring with their light strips, nor do they provide any connection means for plural strips, as provided by the present fiberoptic and electric cable invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,042,894 issued on Aug. 27, 1991 to Gerry E. Swemer, titled “Fiber Optic Lighting System,” describes a highway sign incorporating fiberoptics for illuminating a series of points on the sign from a single light source. The fiberoptic strands extend from the light source, with their distal light transmitting ends arranged to form messages, directional indicators, instructions, etc. Light is only emitted axially from the ends of the strands. Radial light transmission is not desired in such a sign, as it would dissipate the light emitted from the ends of the strands to form the sign message. Moreover, no inclusion of electrical wiring with the fiberoptic strands is disclosed by Swemer, nor is any means of connecting such compound cables, or even lengths of fiberoptic cables alone, disclosed.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,400,225 issued on Mar. 21, 1995 to Joseph E. Currie, titled “Optical Fiber Illumination Device,” describes a lighting system for a motor vehicle, in which the fiberoptic line passes around the perimeter of the rear window to enhance the operation of the brake, directional, and tail lights of the vehicle. Means for transmitting different colors through the fiberoptic line are provided, as well as electrical circuitry for the light source and means of attaching the fiberoptic line to the vehicle. However, no combining of electrical and fiberoptic lines is disclosed, nor is any means of connecting a series of such lines disclosed. Moreover, the '225 U.S. Patent teaches away from the radial emission of light from the fiberoptic line, due to the need to transmit the light axially to the distal vehicle light location.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,194 issued on Nov. 7, 1995 to Joseph E. Currie, titled “Optical Fiber Illumination Device,” is a continuation in part of the '225 U.S. Patent to the same inventor, discussed immediately above. The '194 U.S. Patent provides additional features and details not fully disclosed in the above |cited '225 U.S. Patent. However, the '194 Patent also fails to disclose incorporation of electrical wiring with fiberoptic cables, radial light emission from such cables or lines, and means for connecting compound fiberoptic and electrical cable lengths together, each of which feature is a part of the present fiberoptic and electrical conductor and connector invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,495,400 issued on Feb. 27, 1996 to Joseph E. Currie, titled “
Currie Robert M.
Robertson Jonas J.
Feild Lynn D.
Merek & Blackmon & Voorhees, LLC
Webb Brian S.
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